rule of thumb
noun phrase
1
: a method of procedure based on experience and common sense
2
: a general principle regarded as roughly correct but not intended to be scientifically accurate
Examples of rule of thumb in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
So, the decision to veer from the 4% rule of thumb should not be taken lightly.
—
Wes Moss, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
To appreciate Tatlin on his own terms, here is a good rule of thumb: lopsidedness is next to godliness.
—Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
The biggest rule of thumb or nonofficial recession indicator is the technical notion of back-to-back quarterly contractions in real gross domestic product — the broadest measure of economic activity.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
There are lots of ways to do this, but a good rule of thumb is to pick patterns that are either completely opposite or very similar.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rule of thumb
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Wes Moss, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
To appreciate Tatlin on his own terms, here is a good rule of thumb: lopsidedness is next to godliness.
—Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
The biggest rule of thumb or nonofficial recession indicator is the technical notion of back-to-back quarterly contractions in real gross domestic product — the broadest measure of economic activity.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
There are lots of ways to do this, but a good rule of thumb is to pick patterns that are either completely opposite or very similar.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rule of thumb
Cite this Entry
“Rule of thumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20of%20thumb. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share